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Nostalgic America

11 Legendary TV Shows That Every Baby Boomer Needs to Rewatch Right Now

By Bruce Berns · November 7, 2024

These 11 shows highlight some of the great TV shows the Baby Boomers Loved!

Coming home from school and weatching TV before dinner or staying up a little later to watch, these shows were part of our fabric.

Enjoy.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Mission: Impossible

Mission: Impossible is a 1960s espionage series centered around the Impossible Missions Force (IMF) and their high-stakes covert operations.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Mission Impossible

Led by Jim Phelps (Peter Graves), the team uses disguises, gadgets, and elaborate plans to defeat enemies. Known for its suspenseful plots and the iconic theme music, it inspired later films.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

60 Minutes

60 Minutes is a pioneering television news magazine program that debuted in 1968. Known for its in-depth investigative journalism, interviews, and hard-hitting reports, the show sets the standard for broadcast journalism.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Andy Rooney always ended the show

Its signature ticking stopwatch and correspondent-driven stories have made it a trusted source of news and analysis for decades.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

The Carol Burnett Show

The Carol Burnett Show is a classic sketch comedy and variety show that aired from 1967 to 1978. Hosted by Carol Burnett, the show featured memorable characters, musical numbers, and hilarious parodies.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

The cast

With a talented ensemble cast, including Harvey Korman and Tim Conway, it remains a beloved staple of television comedy.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

The Dick Van Dyke Show

The Dick Van Dyke Show is a 1960s sitcom created by Carl Reiner, starring Dick Van Dyke as comedy writer Rob Petrie and Mary Tyler Moore as his wife, Laura.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam

The show, set in both the Petrie home and a TV writing room, combined sharp humor and heartfelt moments, becoming a television classic.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Hollywood Squares

Hollywood Squares is a game show where celebrities sit in a giant tic-tac-toe board, answering questions to help contestants win. The stars provide humorous responses, with contestants deciding if the answers are correct.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Paul Lynde was always in the center square

Premiering in 1966, it became a popular and lighthearted show, mixing game play with celebrity-driven comedy.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

I Love Lucy

I Love Lucy is a groundbreaking sitcom that aired from 1951 to 1957, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The show follows the misadventures of Lucy Ricardo, a housewife with showbiz dreams, and her husband Ricky.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

The Famous Candy Scene

Known for its physical comedy and iconic moments, it became one of TV’s most enduring classics.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Mister Ed

Mister Ed is a 1960s sitcom about a talking horse named Mister Ed and his owner, Wilbur Post (Alan Young). Only Wilbur can hear Mister Ed speak, leading to humorous misunderstandings and schemes.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Wilbur ....

The show’s whimsical premise and the charm of its equine star made it a quirky TV favorite.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple is a classic sitcom based on Neil Simon’s play, airing from 1970 to 1975. It stars Tony Randall as Felix Unger, a neat freak, and Jack Klugman as Oscar Madison, a messy sportswriter.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Jack and Tony!!!!

The series humorously explores their mismatched friendship and the challenges of living together after their divorces.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Star Trek

Star Trek is a groundbreaking sci-fi series that aired from 1966 to 1969, created by Gene Roddenberry.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Mister Spock

Set in the 23rd century, it follows the adventures of Captain Kirk, Spock, and the USS Enterprise crew as they explore new worlds. Known for its cultural impact, it inspired spin-offs, movies, and passionate fandom.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

The Wild Wild West

The Wild Wild West is a 1960s Western-espionage hybrid series starring Robert Conrad as James West and Ross Martin as Artemus Gordon.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

Artemus Gordon was a great character

Set in the post-Civil War era, they work as government agents battling villains using high-tech gadgets. Its blend of action, science fiction, and spy intrigue made it a cult classic.  Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.

WKRP in Cincinnati

WKRP in Cincinnati is a sitcom that aired from 1978 to 1982, set in a struggling radio station. The show follows the quirky staff as they navigate the chaotic world of rock-and-roll radio.  

Dr. Johnny Fever

With memorable characters like Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap, it humorously captures the challenges of running a radio station.